Apologies for the late posting. The Qt Printing session consisted mostly of a ramble by me on the current status and future plans, followed by some discussion on areas of common interest.
Release status: * Linux looking good, just some clean-ups and bug fixes in the print dialog * Mac mostly good, but a blocker bug with fonts (see below) * Windows not well tested but no known issues, focus in next few weeks The Mac font bug is [1], with a possible root cause [2], a patch [3] fixes the issue in printing but Eskil says this is the wrong solution. This is probably a blocker bug. [1] https://bugreports.qt-project.org/browse/QTBUG-25555 [2] https://bugreports.qt-project.org/browse/QTBUG-25781 [3] https://codereview.qt-project.org/#change,25065 Testing: * Some auto tests are still marked as insignificant due to failing tests, but a test re-write is under way to fix this. * Currently documenting a platform feature support matrix as part of this * Testing printer info needs ability to add/remove virtual printers, currently being developed * We cannot automate testing physical output, need to write manual test plans * Windows testing is a problem, I don’t build it very often, help sought PDF Generator: * Not sure who is really responsible, is spread between QtGui and QtPrintSupport * Needs improvements, ideally to PDF/A standard as used in CUPS workflow * Bug reports that files too big and text not searchable? * Digia plan some fixes from customer requests * Scribus said to have a good implementation, but CLA prevents us using it * Expert help welcomed Future Plans: * QtPrintSupport mostly "done", but may be willing to add features that don't require major API additions, such as extending support for existing features onto more platforms * Some high-level plans for new module on http://qt-project.org/wiki/Qt-5-QtPrint * Possibly a Tech Preview release in 5.1 with full release in 5.2, depending on release cycle frequency * Could have an entirely PDF/A based workflow, but for Windows which would need a PDF to GDI conversion, Ghostscript too big to depend on for this (how does Scribus do it?) * Instead will still need to support native workflows, but need to separate painting and print system more than currently. Print filters: * Ability to apply manipulations to PDF print file before printing, such as poster and booklet * Ideally options should be supported in Print System, i.e. CUPS, but CUPS have no plans to do so * On Windows is often built into the print driver so option in print dialog * Unable to support on Windows or Mac native, but possible under Linux and maybe Mac PDF * Could ship a standard set with dialog options supporting them * Could allow app to chain in own filters with config via adding tabs * Might clash with the cups filters such as n-up,but could be smart about it * Alternatively could have a QPagedDocument that implements them cross-platform then paints that to native print format * Advanced feature, keep in mind for a later release Cheers! John. _______________________________________________ Development mailing list [email protected] http://lists.qt-project.org/mailman/listinfo/development
